Hyderabad: GHMC accused of NGT order breach

HYDERABAD: A city-based NGO has accused Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GMCH) of laying a road through Sakhi Cheruvu in Patancheru, saying it amounts to another violation of National Green Tribunal (NGT) order.
Human Rights and Consumer Protection Cell (HRCPT) alleged that GHMC constructed the road in the lakebed area adjacent to Icrisat.
Thakur Raj Kumar Singh of HRCPT recalled that NGT had stopped any construction in the rainwater nala in its 2016 order after factory sheds sprung up. “But, in clear violation of the order, huge quantity of mud is being dumped in the water body. New buildings have come up in full tank level. Toilets are also constructed on the bund. A road has been constructed in the lakebed adjacent to Icrisat fencing,” he explained in a petition.
He also said electrical poles and sewage pipelines have also been set up in the lakebed. “We issued notices to GHMC. If this is not stopped, we will file a contempt petition in NGT. The works are being taken up in the name of beautification with public funds.” He said laws related to protection of water bodies have not only been violated, but also the Andhra Pradesh (Telangana area) Land Revenue Act.
He alleged that the new road was laid only to increase the land value as it connects the national highway directly. “GHMC is clearly violating the order of NGT,” he said.
Meanwhile, GHMC lakes wing head B Prasad told TOI that Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation did not construct the road through the lake. “The irrigation department will not permit laying of the road. But, we will look into the issue.” Meanwhile, GHMC has posted a security supervisor and guards to protect the lake.